Provincial Government Recognizes National Victims of Crime Awareness Week

I rise today to recognize National Victims of Crime Awareness Week in Canada which takes place April 26 to May 2, 2009.

The purpose of National Victims of Crime Awareness Week is to raise awareness about issues faced by victims of crime, inform them of the services available and also to acknowledge the rewarding, yet often challenging, work of those who assist victims of crime.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, the Department of Justice has 11 Victim Services offices staffed with dedicated individuals who put the emphasis on helping those who have unfortunately experienced crime. These professionals work on the principle that victims should be treated fairly, with courtesy and most importantly, with compassion and respect. Victims should not be inconvenienced by their involvement with the justice system and should receive fair redress.

In 2005, Victim Services assumed the mandate to provide services to child victims and witnesses under the age of 16 in the criminal justice system. Since that time wonderful work has been undertaken to prepare children for the often intimidating process of criminal justice proceedings.

A children�s workbook has been prepared in 2008 and is being used with children aged 7-11 and youth aged 12-15. Most recently, a DVD entitled Making a Difference has been completed and is available for children and other vulnerable individuals.

This 15 minute DVD prepares children under the age of 16 and other vulnerable individuals for testifying in court. It is available at all 11 regional offices of Victim Services and its creation and production has been supported through the Violence Prevention Initiative. Importantly, this DVD is also available on the Internet through the Department of Justice website for all residents of Newfoundland and Labrador but particularly children, their parents and guardians to avail of at anytime. The DVD is also focused on children whose first language is not English and is representative of cultural diversity, rural/urban experiences and gender balance. The Violence Prevention Initiative is providing $22,000 to have this DVD available in both official languages and several Aboriginal dialects this year.

Once an individual has become a victim of a crime his or her life can be changed forever. Nonetheless, Victim Services employees are working hard each and everyday to lessen these impacts. During National Victims of Crime Awareness Week we recognize them and remember victims of crime throughout Canada.

2009 04 27                       1:45 p.m.